Battle of Brooklyn commemorated at Green-Wood Cemetery

Battle of Brooklyn commemorated at Green-Wood Cemetery

In a re-enactment of the Battle of Brooklyn, Continental Army soldiers fire away- but some had already fallen. Photos by Matthew Taub

By Matthew Taub

Special to Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn Brief

“Make ready! Set! Fire!”

The Battle of Brooklyn, fought in 1776 on land that is now part of Green-Wood Cemetery, was re-enacted Sunday afternoon. The window into the past was part of a series of events to commemorate the 238th anniversary of the first battle of the American Revolution waged after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Despite America ultimately winning the war, history buffs remember this opening melee as a humiliating loss for the new nation-to-be, giving the British control of our city and forcing retreat through New Jersey into Pennsylvania.

Green-Wood Cemetery hosted a day of free commemoration ceremonies, trolley tours and 18th-century living that included parades, cannon fire, horse rides, re-enactments and historic cooking. Living history events and activities offered kids a real feel for life during the American Revolution.

August 25, 2014 - 2:05pm

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